Under My Boss's Control

He reads the note aloud.

“Attention, all teachers and staff: Please advise all students that there will be a two-week shutdown of all schools across the nation due to the virus pandemic. Parents and staff can receive updates on this via the school’s website or through school emails.”

Mr. Winston puts the paper on his desk.

This news is greeted with mixed reviews. Half the class is talking excitedly about it, but the other half looks nervous and scared.

I just can’t believe this is happening. I can’t bring myself to look at anyone, let alone Mr. Winston. I don’t think any of us were expecting this to happen. It’s like my worst nightmare has come true. This is going to be the most depressing two weeks of my life.

I don’t know how I’m going to get through it.

Chapter 5

Chris

After an uneventful day, I finally fall asleep. I dream sweet, unexpected dreams of Stacey. I picture walking into the classroom and seeing her waiting there for me.

These dreams are interrupted by unwelcome dreams of a mandatory faculty meeting that I must attend in the morning. Those dreams cause me to wake up abruptly.

I jump up and look at my clock. I sigh; I am awake earlier than usual. I might as well go ahead and get started on my day.

I go about my normal routine of showering and dressing for the day. I put on a nice suit, since I must be at the meeting first thing in the morning. I take extra care when I shave and fix my hair.

Of course, I’m a little anxious to get down to the school and see Stacey. I tell myself to stay calm and focused. On my way out the door, I grab a cup of coffee and sip it during my drive to work.

I arrive in the teacher’s lounge with my coffee and briefcase. I take a seat amongst the other teachers already in the room. The principal is here. He looks at the papers in his hands, then begins to speak to us.

“Thank you all for being here so early. I’m here to inform you that the start date for the mandatory two-week closure has been set for this Friday,” he says.

We all exchange glances, but say nothing as he finishes talking.

“Starting today, you will be responsible for prepping your classes for learning at home. Most lessons can be done online.” He puts his papers down and looks at us. “Any questions?”

No one has any. They just look around the room or at each other.

“Good. Let’s get to work.”

He walks out of the room. The other teachers grab their bags, gossiping about the situation. I grab my briefcase and coffee and hurry from the room. I don’t want to waste time with them; I’m eager to see Stacey. I hurry as quickly down the halls as I can while still looking normal.

I hurry to unlock the classroom and get inside. The faculty meeting was early enough that students are just barely starting to arrive on campus; I know that I still have a little while before Stacey shows up.

I set my coffee down and pull out my laptop, settling into my seat and pulling out a stack of papers that I need to grade while I wait for my computer to turn on. I want to have all my paperwork done.

After I have graded a few papers, I look up and see that my computer has finally turned on. I set the papers aside and check my email.

It’s the usual stuff, except for a new one from the school district. I open and read through it, but it’s just a reminder about the mandatory closure. This pandemic has a lot of people worried. I try not to let it bother me, though.

I read through the rest of my emails, but it’s mostly spam. I sigh and check out the daily news headlines.

“Good morning, Mr. Winston.”

I look up to see Stacey walking in.

“Good morning, Stacey,” I say as she walks by me and goes to her desk. I watch her for a few seconds; I have to force myself to look away.

I give her a chance to get settled at her desk before I go over the day’s workload with her. I glance at the clock at the wall. The students will be in here soon.

“Stacey?” I ask. She looks up at me. “I have a busy day today. They announced at the staff meeting this morning that the mandatory two-week closure starts Friday, so I need to prepare for that.”

She looks worried, so I’m hoping my next news will cheer her up.

“So, since I have so much to get done, I think I’m going to let you handle today’s lesson.”

I try not to smile as her mouth hangs open in shock. She takes a few seconds to collect herself; I can tell that she is shocked and hesitant about it.